Wilson School of Design is part of Canada's only accredited polytechnic university. Every single one of our programs embrace the polytechnic spirit.

So, what does this mean for you?

Polytechnics Canada describes a polytechnic as “an institution of higher education providing technical, applied, hands-on learning.”

This means that you'll learn by doing; that your instructors will have strong industry connections; that you'll use the latest technology; and that you'll get a chance to tackle the real problems and issues that designers face today.

It means that you'll learn relevant skills, then refine them in real-life workplaces. From first idea, to rough draft, and to finished piece, you're part of a supportive environment that stays with you the whole way through.

Along the way, you’ll bond with a cohort of talented designers over late nights, failed attempts, and hard-won successes. Our small class sizes and safe-to-explore environment encourage these connections with your peers.

Learning how to be a top-tier designer means making, doing, trying, failing, trying again, building, prototyping, and iterating until you get it right. This kind of learning is exactly what a polytechnic is built for.

What kinds of projects will you work on?

At the Wilson School of Design, every aspect of our teaching employs the polytechnic approach. If you’re curious about the types of projects you and your peers might work on, take inspiration from some of our past students below.

Technical Apparel student designs adaptable lightweight jackets that adjust warmth for areas with drastic temperature changes.

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A Product Design student develops adhesive patches to extend the lifespan of skateboarding footwear.

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Design students showcase chairs made from shipwrecked mahogany, harvested from Guatemala and Nicaragua between the 1950s and 1970s at the Museum of Vancouver.

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